A new University of Georgia study warns that insufficient sleep in adolescents can disrupt key brain functions tied to decision-making, self-control, and emotional regulation, potentially increasing the risk of future behavioral problems.
Researchers tracked the sleep patterns of over 2,800 teens using Fitbits, comparing that data with brain scans and behavioral reports. Teens who slept less showed weaker connectivity between brain regions involved in processing and self-regulation. These neural patterns were linked to behaviors like impulsivity and aggression.
The study found boys and minority children were more likely to experience poor sleep and later develop problem behaviors. Lead author Linhao Zhang emphasized adolescence as a crucial window for brain development—and that both sleep quantity and quality matter.
“Sleep helps protect children’s mental health,” said co-author Assaf Oshri. The findings, published in Brain and Behavior, suggest improving sleep could reduce conduct issues in youth.
